Tenants, did you know that agents and landlords are not allowed to charge certain fees? Under the Tenant Fees Act, landlords and agents can only ask you to pay:
- rent.
- a refundable tenancy deposit capped at no more than 5 weeks’ rent where the total annual rent is less than £50,000, or 6 weeks’ rent where the total annual rent is £50,000 or above.
- a refundable holding deposit (to reserve a property) capped at no more than 1 week’s rent.
- payments associated with early termination of the tenancy, when requested by the tenant.
- payments capped at £50 (or reasonably incurred costs, if higher) for the variation, assignment or novation of a tenancy.
- payments in respect of utilities, communication services, TV licence and Council Tax.
- a default fee for late payment of rent and replacement of a lost key/security device giving access to the housing, where required under a tenancy agreement.
If an agent or a landlord is asking you to pay anything outside of those listed above, it is not lawful.
Please be mindful of anyone asking for payment before a property has been viewed and do not pay anything that is not listed above. If you are asked to pay a banned fee, please let us know.
For more information see here.
Contact us at privaterentedservice@newcastle.gov.uk or on 0191 277 1438 Mon-Fri 9am until noon.